Fluvanna SPCA Awarded $5,000 Pets of Valor Grant from The Humane Society of the United States

Central Va. Animal Shelter Cared for 2013 Pets of Valor Award Winner

Fluvanna SPCA

Chilly showed the depth of her devotion to owner Heidi Parker when she was suffering from a life-threatening anaphylactic reaction. Meredith Lee/For The HSUS

The Humane Society of the United States is pleased to award a grant of $5,000 to the Fluvanna SPCA for providing pre-adoption care for Chilly, the English bulldog mix whose heroic actions to save her owner’s life earned her the Pets of Valor Award.

The grant will help FSPCA fund veterinary expenses, including flea and heartworm treatments and spay and neuter surgeries.

Betsy McFarland, vice president for companion animal issues at The HSUS said: “We’re excited to provide this grant in Chilly’s honor. The tireless work of animal shelters like the FSPCA truly makes them heroes for homeless companion animals who need care, companionship and a loving home. We are pleased to help FSPCA provide care and find homes for many more pets.”

The HSUS's Pets of Valor Award honors rescued or adopted dogs and cats who have exhibited an extraordinary sense of courage or resolve by heroically helping a person in need. This year’s winner, Chilly, an English bulldog mix from Mineral, Va., was adopted from Fluvanna SPCA. Chilly whined and urgently pawed and licked her owner’s face, waking her from a nap. Heidi Parker, Chilly’s owner, awoke to discover that her throat was swelling shut, a symptom of the life-threatening anaphylactic reaction to the allergy injections she had received earlier that day.

Jennie Shuklis, executive director of the Fluvanna SPCA said: “The Fluvanna SPCA was overjoyed with sweet Chilly’s selection as this year’s Pets of Valor winner, and this generous grant from The Humane Society of the United States is a very welcome surprise. As a no-kill shelter, we work very hard with a limited budget to make sure our dogs and cats receive the best possible treatment and care. This grant helps make our little friends more adoptable through preventive treatments and spay/neuter services. Not only are the animal’s life and health enhanced, but many more humans will find their lives enriched by their new forever friend from FSPCA.”

In addition to the $5,000 grant from The HSUS, the Fluvanna SPCA will receive a one-year supply of dog food (500 pounds) courtesy of BOGO Bowl.